Current Gallery Exhibit

Featured Artists: Ken Claes

Exhibition: “Talking with Strangers"

Date: October 31, 2023 - November 28, 2023

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 2nd from 6-8 PM - Artist Talk at 7PM - FREE & OPEN to the public

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is proud to present the featured works of artist Ken Claes in a unique exhibit, entitled “Talking with Strangers,” in The Gallery at Cherry Hill now through November 28, 2023.

Ken Claes’s Artist Statement: “My inspiration comes from seeing interesting people everywhere within our livingscape. Especially while observing their dynamic work, leisure life, and the diversity of their human spirit. Each painting reflects my interest in conceptual portraiture by challenging our sensibilities and common assumption of who we are and how we perceive ourselves. My narrative is emotional rather than intellectual while describing our human condition.

My painting technique uses sharply painted unblended edges and flat surfaces to emphasize and highlight the image. I am echoing the semi abstract 1960’s California “hard edge” school of painting using figurative content. Each work exaggerates or distorts features to encourage the viewer to question the subject’s emotions and motives.”

Ken Claes is an architect turned painter based in Michigan who enjoys creating multicolor figurative images. He is currently working with latex and acrylic on canvas & board and has worked in the past in oils. His work centers primarily on human joy, emotions and everyday tensions.

After serving in the US Air Force, Ken earned his Architectural degree from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. A successful career in building construction allowed him to pursue his interest in fine arts at the exemplary Atelier School of Art in Royal Oak and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Now retired from business, Ken devotes each day to making art in his Michigan home/studio.

Ken has exhibited from 2007 to the present in numerous local Michigan exhibitions including the renowned ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, and the d’Art Center in Norfolk, Virginia. His work is also included in the homes of numerous local collectors.

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI, 48187, is a regional center for the arts that offers the magic of live theatre, soul-stirring music, the thrill of dance, and the enjoyment of fine art exhibitions and events, in addition to providing a home for several cultural organizations and community groups. For more information about this latest exhibition, please call 734/394-5300 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.

Gallery Hours:
The Gallery at Cherry Hill is open Tuesday & Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and Thursday & Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. or by special appointment that is arranged via email to elli.fassois@cantonmi.gov. The Gallery at Cherry Hill is also open during public performances.

For more information, please call 734/394-5300.